Blog Layout

How to Grow and Care for the Pawpaw Tree

January 2, 2024

The pawpaw is a small, deciduous tree that yields the largest fruit native to North America. Pawpaw trees can grow to a height of about 25 feet and feature maroon-colored blossoms with 6 petals in spring. When grown in shady and protected areas of established forests, they only get to be 2 to 12 feet tall. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and oval-shaped with pointy ends. They can grow up to 12 inches in length. In the fall, the foliage turns varying shades of yellow. 

Appearance and Growth:

Pawpaw trees typically reach a height of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) and have a relatively short trunk with a spreading canopy of large, elliptical leaves. The leaves are dark green and can be up to a foot long.  In the fall, the foliage turns varying shades of yellow. The tree has attractive maroon or brown flowers that have a foul odor, which attracts flies for pollination.   

Fruit:

These trees are famous for their fruit, which ripens in fall. The pawpaw fruit is frequently described as custard-like with a flavor that is a cross between a banana and a mango.  Take note that while the fruit is edible, you should never eat the skin or seeds of this fruit. Pawpaw contains annonacin, which is toxic to nerve cells. 

Habitat:

Pawpaw trees are found in the wild in rich, moist, and well-drained soils. They are often seen in the understory of forests, along riverbanks, or in other areas with similar conditions. They are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.  You’ll be most successful in growing the pawpaw tree if your climate provides the seasonal swing that these trees are accustomed to since the dormancy of winter prepares the tree for a productive growing season. 

Propagation:  Propagation by cuttings is possible for pawpaw trees but has a high failure rate. It's not considered the most surefire way to propagate these trees. Grafting or budding is a more common method for propagating pawpaw trees to ensure that the resulting tree will have the desired fruit characteristics.   

Pawpaw trees can be propagated through seeds, but they can take several years to bear fruit if grown from seeds.  Follow these steps to grow pawpaw trees from seed:

 

  1. Scoop out the seeds from a ripe pawpaw fruit. 
  2. Next, scarify the seeds. This involves scratching the shell of the seed but not the seed itself. Use sandpaper or a file. 
  3. In fall, you can direct sow the seeds outside where they’ll naturally stratify over the winter and sprout the following summer. Alternatively, you can stratify the seeds indoors by placing them in a cold location for 90 to 120 days. If you choose indoor stratification, Perdue University recommends placing the seeds inside a plastic bag with moistened sphagnum moss to prevent the growth of mold.2 
  4. Plant seeds once the soil temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees. 


Cultivation:

When planting pawpaw trees, it's essential to provide them with a location that receives partial shade. They prefer rich well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Pawpaw trees require regular watering, however it’s important the soil is draining efficiently, and you don’t allow this tree to become waterlogged.  Overwatering will cause yellowing leaves.  Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and control weeds. Nutrient soil is important for healthy growth and fruit production, so it’s generally recommended to fertilize pawpaw trees at least twice a year, once in spring and again in early summer.  your best option may be to add organic matter to the soil using compost, fish emulsion, manure, or a combination of all three. 

Pollination:

Pawpaw trees are not self-pollinating, which means they require cross-pollination between two genetically distinct trees to produce fruit. In the wild, flies are the primary pollinators, attracted by the foul-smelling flowers. In cultivation, it's common to plant two or more different pawpaw varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Even if you have genetically varied trees planted near each other, it can be hard to attract pollinators to pawpaw trees. As a result, the flowers may not become pollinated and consequently fail to bear fruit. To solve this problem, one suggestion is to use pollinate pawpaw trees by hand. Find the male flowers, which will be wide open and deep maroon color. The stamen will be visible and should be covered with pollen. Place a small plastic bag underneath the bloom and gently tap the back of the blossom to drop pollen into the bag.

 

Right away, find a female blossom on another pawpaw tree. Mature female blossoms will also be maroon but may still be partly green and will always be only partially open. Gently open the blossom with your fingers enough to reach the paintbrush inside. Then, after dusting the paintbrush with harvested pollen, dab the stigma inside the flower. 


Harvesting:

Pawpaw fruit is typically harvested in the late summer to early fall when they are fully ripe. The fruit should be picked carefully to avoid bruising and used or consumed promptly since they have a short shelf life. 

Pests and Diseases:

Pawpaw trees can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including pawpaw fruit fly, fungal diseases, and various insects. Proper care and monitoring can help manage these issues.

Overwintering:

Pawpaw trees are no stranger to winter weather and the cold season provides a period of dormancy necessary for fruit production in the following year. Since these trees are hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, there is usually no additional care required for successful overwintering mature pawpaw trees. There’s no need to water during the tree’s dormancy. 



However, a young pawpaw tree in a pot should only be planted in spring. To overwinter a young tree successfully, place it in a sheltered location where temperatures will remain above freezing. 


Cultural Significance:

Pawpaw fruit has a long history of consumption by Native American tribes and early European settlers. It is now gaining popularity as a unique and delicious fruit in contemporary cuisine and as a niche crop for small-scale growers. 

Conservation:

Some efforts are being made to conserve and promote pawpaw trees due to their ecological importance and cultural significance. This includes educational programs and initiatives to protect wild populations. 

Two green pine trees are silhouetted against a white background.

Sign up for monthly newsletters!

From easy tree care practices to fun DIY projects, we've got something for everyone.

4 Seasons arborscapes logo 1

Interested in what we can do for you?

Call us at 610-648-0404 or book an appointment online.
Book An Expert Consultation Book An Expert Consultation
Two green pine trees are silhouetted against a white background.

Sign up for monthly newsletters!

Get our latest articles, delivered right to your inbox. No spam, ever.

Check out the latest...

Sign up for monthly newsletters!

From easy tree care practices to fun DIY projects, we've got something for everyone.

A bush with lots of purple flowers and green leaves
March 24, 2025
Lilacs with their vibrant, fragrant blooms fill the air with a scent that’s synonymous with the spring season. The lilac bush ( Syringa vulgaris ) is a classic flowering shrub known for its beautiful blooms and lush foliage. Native to Europe and Asia, lilacs have become a staple in gardens across North America.
A bunch of different colored flowers are growing on a bush.
March 18, 2025
Hydrangeas are a garden favorite, prized for their large, colorful blooms that bring beauty to any landscape. Yet, many gardeners struggle to get their hydrangeas to produce the big, vibrant flowers they desire. The secret? Proper pruning at the right time.
A monarch butterfly is perched on a purple flower.
March 3, 2025
What is the Invasive Replace-ive Initiative? In 2025, Pennsylvania is rolling out a new environmental program aimed at tackling invasive species across the state. Dubbed the Invasive Replace-ive Initiative , the program encourages property owners to actively remove invasive trees, shrubs, and plants from their land — and rewards them by providing free native trees to take their place. The goal is simple: restore Pennsylvania’s native ecosystem by replacing harmful species with beneficial, native ones that support local wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to climate resilience.
A close up of a palm tree with lots of green leaves against a white wall.
February 26, 2025
If you’re searching for the perfect indoor plant, the ponytail palm ( Beaucarnea recurvata ) is a strong contender — but is it really the best houseplant? This quirky, sculptural plant is famous for its graceful, cascading leaves and its thick, water-storing trunk, giving it a unique blend of tropical elegance and desert resilience. Ponytail palms have become a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts for good reason: they’re incredibly low-maintenance, adapt to a wide range of indoor conditions, and rarely fall victim to common houseplant pests. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or someone who forgets to water for weeks at a time, this hardy plant fits into almost any lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the ponytail palm special, why it’s such a great houseplant, and how it compares to other popular indoor plants. You’ll also discover some of the bonus perks that make this plant particularly appealing to indoor gardeners — from its petite size and modern aesthetic to its long lifespan and ability to thrive on neglect. However, no plant is perfect. While the ponytail palm checks many boxes, there are a few considerations that might make it less than ideal for certain homes, such as its preference for bright light and its mild toxicity to pets. So — is the ponytail palm truly the best houseplant? Let’s dive in and find out.
More Posts
A bush with lots of purple flowers and green leaves
March 24, 2025
Lilacs with their vibrant, fragrant blooms fill the air with a scent that’s synonymous with the spring season. The lilac bush ( Syringa vulgaris ) is a classic flowering shrub known for its beautiful blooms and lush foliage. Native to Europe and Asia, lilacs have become a staple in gardens across North America.
A bunch of different colored flowers are growing on a bush.
March 18, 2025
Hydrangeas are a garden favorite, prized for their large, colorful blooms that bring beauty to any landscape. Yet, many gardeners struggle to get their hydrangeas to produce the big, vibrant flowers they desire. The secret? Proper pruning at the right time.
A monarch butterfly is perched on a purple flower.
March 3, 2025
What is the Invasive Replace-ive Initiative? In 2025, Pennsylvania is rolling out a new environmental program aimed at tackling invasive species across the state. Dubbed the Invasive Replace-ive Initiative , the program encourages property owners to actively remove invasive trees, shrubs, and plants from their land — and rewards them by providing free native trees to take their place. The goal is simple: restore Pennsylvania’s native ecosystem by replacing harmful species with beneficial, native ones that support local wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to climate resilience.
A close up of a palm tree with lots of green leaves against a white wall.
February 26, 2025
If you’re searching for the perfect indoor plant, the ponytail palm ( Beaucarnea recurvata ) is a strong contender — but is it really the best houseplant? This quirky, sculptural plant is famous for its graceful, cascading leaves and its thick, water-storing trunk, giving it a unique blend of tropical elegance and desert resilience. Ponytail palms have become a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts for good reason: they’re incredibly low-maintenance, adapt to a wide range of indoor conditions, and rarely fall victim to common houseplant pests. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or someone who forgets to water for weeks at a time, this hardy plant fits into almost any lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the ponytail palm special, why it’s such a great houseplant, and how it compares to other popular indoor plants. You’ll also discover some of the bonus perks that make this plant particularly appealing to indoor gardeners — from its petite size and modern aesthetic to its long lifespan and ability to thrive on neglect. However, no plant is perfect. While the ponytail palm checks many boxes, there are a few considerations that might make it less than ideal for certain homes, such as its preference for bright light and its mild toxicity to pets. So — is the ponytail palm truly the best houseplant? Let’s dive in and find out.
More Posts
Share by: